Cherries Poached in Red Wine with Mascarpone Cream

Thick mascarpone cheese mixed with honey makes a luscious topping for poached cherries. You can serve the dessert either warm or cold. We love it both ways.

Level:
Easy

Serves:
4

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Ingredients

2.25 c. red wine

1 c. sugar

1 1-by-3-inch strip orange zest

2 lb. sweet cherries

1 c. mascarpone cheese

2.50 tbsp. honey

Directions

In a medium stainless-steel saucepan, combine the wine, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Add the cherries and bring back to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the cherries are just tender, about 5 minutes. Pour into a glass or stainless-steel bowl so the cherries don't overcook.

In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone with the honey. Remove the strip of orange zest from the cherries. Serve the warm cherries and syrup in bowls or stemmed glasses, topped with a large dollop of the mascarpone cream.

Variations:
The warm cherries and poaching liquid are great alone-without the mascarpone cream-or with whipped cream. Serve the mascarpone cream with cut up fresh fruit or mixed berries instead of with the poached cherries.